When Cain left the area accompanied by Larvitar and Aron, both seemed completely satisfied.
Meanwhile, Carnivine collapsed on the ground. Unlike before, there were no longer rocks or sand blocking its movements.
However, at that moment, Carnivine couldn't move even if it wanted to. Its eyes were vacant, showing a state of utter exhaustion, lying there as if its body had been completely drained of energy.
From time to time, it even trembled slightly, evidence that it had exceeded its limits.
It looked to be just one step away from foaming at the mouth.
On the other hand, Larvitar and Aron wore satisfied expressions on their faces, with a light blush visible on their cheeks.
What an intense battle!
Sometimes, an intermittent fight can't compare to a long and sustained one. The latter are usually more pleasurable and productive.
Larvitar and Aron, now with diamonds in their mouths, walked with small hops, almost as if they were humming a song of happiness.
What was that saying again?
"A diamond after effort is worth more than anything else."
Cain left the forest area with his Pokémon.
Due to the effects of the move Sweet Scent used by Carnivine, nearly all the Pokémon in that part of the forest had been drawn to the spot.
If he wanted to keep training, he would need to move toward higher ground.
Fortunately, there weren't many people in that area, because the previous battle nearly caused a widespread commotion that could have injured several.
The "Earth's Membrane," according to the system's analysis, appears to be a type of concentrated essence from a mountain. The older and higher the mountain, the better the quality of its essence, significantly enhancing the quality-boosting potion's effect on Larvitar.
On the other hand, the "Crimson Rock," after analysis, appears to be a product of magma. Although the system couldn't determine its exact nature, it can identify and analyze it if it detects it, offering highly reliable results.
Because of this, Cain decided to head to Mt. Chimney.
Being the largest active volcano in the Hoenn region, its immense presence is visible from much of the region. If anything was hidden in the magma, Mt. Chimney was the most likely place to find it.
Despite the risks associated with the volcano, Cain was determined to face them.
He moved toward the mountain and returned to the cave he had previously explored with Steven. There, he found a quiet spot outside the cave to camp for the night.
The next morning, with the first light of day, he decided to go into the cave.
Last time, they didn't reach the bottom because a large group of Slugma blocked their way, and their strength was insufficient at that time. So they had to retreat.
But this time, Cain planned to search for items inside the mountain. He could climb to the top to enter from there or find a tunnel that led directly to the interior.
Now that he was here, he was also curious to explore the bottom of the cave.
It's worth remembering that the Fragment of Groudon's armor that Larvitar carries on its back was found in this cave.
However, it's unclear whether the Team Magma members found it deep within the cave or before entering.
If it was found here...
Could it mean that more fragments are still hidden in this place?
A small fragment of that armor had already granted significant benefits to Larvitar.
Larvitar had always had excellent control over ground and rock-type energy, but thanks to this armor fragment, its control over ground-type energy had started to surpass that of rock-type.
Even though its final evolution, Tyranitar, will change to rock and dark types, its ability to use ground-type moves won't be lost, nor will its control over that energy.
This would ensure that its attack power won't decline in the future.
With that curiosity in mind, Cain and his Pokémon moved deeper into the cave.
The cave's wild Pokémon had previously been wiped out by Team Magma, which made entry easier.
However, with time, the wild Pokémon had returned to reclaim the cave as their home.
Given the level of the Pokémon in this area, Cain needed the support of other teammates to face them.
He brought out Combusken, and together with Larvitar and Aron, they formed a formidable team. Their teamwork and the experience they had gained over time made them very effective in battle.
Although he could have summoned Slowking and Honchkrow to clear the way with ease, Cain knew it was more important to train his second team.
If they didn't face significant challenges now, they would become too dependent on the stronger ones in the future and wouldn't develop the ability to overcome tough obstacles on their own.
Despite the difficulties, Aron had reached level 31 after the previous day's battles, getting closer to its evolution.
Larvitar had also reached level 27, nearing its own evolution.
Now, with a level 30 Combusken joining them, the team was well balanced.
As they ventured further inside, they encountered many fire-type Pokémon, mainly Slugma and Numel. Occasionally, Camerupt and Torkoal appeared, who were stronger opponents.
Although Aron is a steel-type Pokémon and was at a disadvantage here, it kept adapting and improving with each fight.
Cain knew it was essential for Aron to face its weaknesses rather than avoid them. Training under adverse conditions now would reduce suffering in the future.
Halfway through, Cain was surprised to see something unexpected:
A crouching Pokémon on the ground, with flames glowing on its head and tail.
A Quilava?
The fire-type Pokémon from the Johto region, the evolution of Cyndaquil, and the form before the mighty Typhlosion. This type of starter Pokémon has great potential and strength, as long as it's well raised.
Before Cain could analyze Quilava's data, it disappeared in a flash, running deeper into the cave.
"Could there be a Cyndaquil colony inside this cave?" Cain wondered.
Starter Pokémon are usually controlled by the Pokémon League, and it's rare to find wild specimens.
If one is lucky enough to find one, it represents a great opportunity. Those with good potential can be trained, and the lower-quality ones can be sold for a considerable price on the black market.
For Cain, as a breeder, there was a third option: capture the whole colony, raise it carefully, and select the best ones.
"Larvitar, Aron, Combusken, pick up the pace! We need to go deeper in," said Cain, full of determination.
(End of Chapter)